18 September 2007

Queen Latifah to "Ebony" on Gay Rumors: "No Comment"

Queen Latifah is the subject of an extensive 12 page cover story advertorial in the October 2007 Ebony. The puff piece rarely steers from carefully scripted talking points—in this case, it's mostly about Latifah's endorsement contract with CoverGirl (four full page ads in the profile), her new clothing line, and, the magazine's promotion of Harley-Davidson and Honda motorcycles. (The magazine devotes two other features to "blacks on bikes.") The most interesting passage is when Queen Latifah channels Jodie Foster when the always intriguing subject of her sexuality was introduced in a throwaway line:

Asked about the stories swirling on the Internet and elsewhere that claim she is romantically involved with a female fitness trainer, Latifah immediately says: "No comment on that at all. I'm done commenting on all that ... It's ridiculous, I know me and that's all I need to know.

And if the readers don't know me, then that;s one part they aren't going to get to know. Those are my people but they don't sleep with me," she says in a very even tone that is very consistent with her relaxed mood. "It feels so invasive. It's the one thing I don't think people need to know about."

Flip past several more full page ads for CoverGirl and there is one more nugget of information: Latifah's "busy career" has prevented her from having children so she will adopt.

"People make assumptions about women who adopt, and I think its wrong," she says. "Some people assume unless you are Angelina Jolie, that you are adopting because you don't have a man and you may be gay and you want to have a kid. I think that's not the right connotation to put to that."

Ebony has almost zero online content so the entire profile—including the behind-the-scenes makeup steps and full page ads—has been included in this PDF. It's thirteen pages long, but, as we said, the most important questions were asked and not-answered in those two or three graphs. Makes you yearn for the old school Latifah who played lesbian on-screen characters (Set it Off, Chicago) and spoke out on the need for role models for all types women.

Comments

Yeah I never read Ebony because that's all it ever is - PR fluff bullshit. No hard questions, no real journalism. I understand the need to celebrate our accomplishments but it's so pointless to even pick one up. I don't really care about her coming out though, that's her choice. Let Queen do her ... we know the deal anyway.

. I'm not going to act like an angel gets his/her wings every time a celeb "comes out", and everyone is entitled to a private life, but **seriously**!!! I just hope that one day she doesn't have to answer to some leaked "hard evidence".

QL's secretiveness is about one thing. Not ending world hunger, not stopping the genocide in Darfur, not addressing global warming or saving the whales. It is about keeping her income high from endorsements, which would dry up if she came out.

"if she doesnt want her personal life out there she shouldnt be pressured from the media or lifeless gays to come out."

What "lifeless gays" are you referring to, sweety? The question was asked in Ebony magazine, not in Out or on gay blogs. The fact remains she sidestepped the question. And yes, it is relevant when Latifah comes to gay and leesbian bars in LA with her girlfriends and then says no comment.

Misty you are absolutely right. Celebrity is achieved by those who desperately want it. Public figures should expect certain questions, it comes with the territory. Latifah can say she doesnt want to answer--which basically is a confirmation--but you can't fault "the media" for asking.

Latifah doesn't have any problem with "the media" helping to promoting her movies, makeup or new wardrobe line.

That is such ignorance to say because Queen L. is in show business she has to answer every F-ing question. Do we not all work with the public so to speak?
Does she need to tell you that she washes her face before her coochy in the shower too? It;s natural to be curious about celebs but to say that she should think of another career is FLAWED and insensitive.

Don't give me that "It's just a job" bull. I work as an assistant editor and because my job is relatively anonymous, no one cares about my sexuality. However, if you put your face on billboards and ask people to SPEND MONEY on you (be it films, music, products you endorse), consumers have the right to know who you are and the kind of person we're supporting. I'm not saying she has to answer the question, but that doesn't mean it's rude to ask. It's not.

p.s. we all know that straight celebs don't act like this, so can we just assume "gay" until proven otherwise...

It's not a job? It's a career! Were is the waiver that entertainers sign? See we often put celebs waaaay up there, like gods. We become obsessed and make this fluff so damn serious. It's called "entertainment" and I feel that most celebs are not whom they appear to be in public and private life (most of them are ACTING). Who cares. I pay for a singer to hear them sing. If something dark is revealed then I have a choice whether to support them e.g R Kelly. "the consumer has the right to know?" I totally disagree.

It's as if we are we trying to vilify her, "gay until proven otherwise?" Listen to your words.

Being LGBT is no walk in the park for a lot of humans.

Perhaps she is not comfortable. Perhaps she broke up with here girl and does not want to discuss it. It's like a snowball effect. Like paparazzi stalkers they feed off of anything the celeb says or doesn't.

Like my Father always told me... 'you sittin' there watching celbs and so into everything they do and so concerned with watching their lives, who's watching yours?'

Does everyone you know publically or those who have supported you need to know your sexual appetite? The reason I find the question rude, is because the question is usaually posed by "straight" journalist who feed off of the scandal and gossip it can create. After awhile when you are in the media, your name becomes tarnished.

So "relatively anonymous" Junior, you up for a promotion and you are put you in a news letter,maybe local paper, colleagues throw a party for you and support your elevation,you are now recognized within your company/ community.They do not see you with wife nor girlfriend... Does your management team (who is payinmg you)need to know about your sexuality, have the "right" to know?

There is no "law" that says celebrities have to do anything. But the fact is celebrities, athletes, politicians, etc are "public figures." More importantly, they put themselves in that position. Paparazzi can stake out Britney or Lindsay and take pictures outside their home. If someone did that to you, as a non celebrity or non public figure, it would be called "stalking", "invasion of privacy" or "harassment". Which is why celebrities, athletes, politicians etc. almost never win lawsuits or cases against the press.

BTW, there is a huge difference between a corporate promotion and questions about sexuality (re: discrimination based on sexual orientation) versus questions from reporters to a celebrity. EBONY asked the question, dear, not this blog.

These silly closet queens always amaze me. The reporters can ask whatever they want, as long as it is within reason. The question was asked. Latifah did not answer it. The stories about QL have been around for years so it is news.

So, should we not ask (presumed) heterosexual celebrities about who they are dating or marriage plans? It's exactly the same type of question. Why should gays be treated different?

I'm so with you Junior and others. You want ask me for my dime, I have a right to ask who gonna spend it on, it's as simple as that. ESPECIALLY when it comes to celebs who are making insane amounts of (the public's) coins.

It's a whole new game when it comes to fame, celebrity and the media, so just evolve with it, or get the hell OUT of the game.

'cause another human being like you make a ridiculous amount of money means the are obligated to reveal things that is none of your concern. You are paying for her music, acting skills and makeup. Sorry I cannot get where the obligation is/ it's cool is she does reveal and it's cool if she doesn't. Get over it.

Some of these comments are outrageous. No one has to tell anyone anything unless they choose to do so. Just because I buy someone's record, pay to see their movie, or purchase a roll of toilet paper does not give me the right to that person's personnel life. I would only hope to enjoy the product that I purchased. How they choose to spend their monies is their business. The next thing people will be demanding that the head of every corporation divulge their sexuality, eating habits, hygiene habits, etc. Please try to keep this thing in perspective. It is her choice to reveal her sexuality to whomever she chooses.

Hey all,
Queen Latifah will be on A&E's new music and film show PRIVATE SESSIONS this Sunday, Sept. 30th at 9 am Eastern. Here's some more info:

In an in-depth interview QUEEN LATIFAH tells all – from her beginnings breaking into the evolving hip hop industry to her diverse acting roles covering comedies, dramas, and taking over movie musicals, as well as her latest accomplishment, receiving an Emmy nomination for this year’s Life Support. She also performs “Travilin’ Light”, “Poetry Man” and “California Dreamin’” as well as a rare performance of her signature hit “U.N.I.T.Y”!! Plus, check out AETV.com for a web-only performance of “Simply Beautiful”. You won’t want to miss this!
Check out our Website:
www.aetv.com/private-sessions/

Or our MySpace Page:
www.myspace.com/privatesessionsonae
Be our friend for updates!